Swanton teachers asking board to weigh arbitration

SWANTON The Swanton Education Association has agreed to cease preparations for a strike if the school board is willing to resolve negotiations with binding arbitration.

The union, which represents 88 Swanton Local teachers and other staff, has asked the school board to consider the offer at its meeting at 7 tonight.

If the board agrees, a third-party arbitrator would determine whether the district has the financial resources to meet the union s demands. If the arbitrator rules in favor of the board, the teachers union has agreed to accept the board s offer, according to a statement from the union.

If the board does not agree to binding arbitration, the union has said it will continue strike preparations. The teachers authorized their bargaining unit to issue a 10-day notice of intent to strike Aug. 18, but have not yet issued that notice. Their contract expired Aug. 31.